PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11740475-B2
Application Number: US-202016742064-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Head-mounted display with facial interface for sensing physiological conditions

Abstract:
A head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit displays graphical content to the user. The facial interface is removably coupleable to the display unit and engages a facial engagement region of a face of the user whereby the display unit is supported on the face of the user. The facial interface includes a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A head-mounted display comprising:
 a display unit for displaying graphical content to a user; and 
 a facial interface that is removably coupleable to the display unit and that engages a facial engagement region of a face of the user whereby the display unit is supported on the face of the user, the facial interface including a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region, the physiological sensor being embedded into a window defined by the facial interface. 
 
     
     
       2. The head-mounted display according to  claim 1 , wherein the facial interface includes another physiological sensor for sensing another physiological condition in the facial engagement region. 
     
     
       3. The head-mounted display according to  claim 1 , wherein the head-mounted display forms a mechanical connection between the display unit and the facial interface, a power connection between the display unit and the facial interface by which power is transferred to the physiological sensor, and a data connection between the display unit and the facial interface by which sensor signals are sent from the physiological sensor. 
     
     
       4. The head-mounted display according to  claim 3 , wherein the facial interface is interchangeably coupleable to the display unit with another facial interface having another physiological sensor of a different type from the physiological sensor of the facial interface. 
     
     
       5. The head-mounted display according to  claim 4 , wherein the other facial interface forms another power connection and another data connection with the display unit in a same manner as the facial interface forms the power connection and the data connection with the display unit. 
     
     
       6. The head-mounted display according to  claim 5 , wherein the facial interface includes a connector for forming the power connection and the data connection, and the other facial interface includes another connector of a common type as the connector. 
     
     
       7. The head-mounted display according to  claim 1 , wherein the physiological sensor is an electrode, and the physiological condition is bioelectric activity. 
     
     
       8. The head-mounted display according to  claim 1 , wherein the physiological condition is one of force, pressure, capacitance, moisture, or temperature. 
     
     
       9. The head-mounted display according to  claim 8 , wherein the facial interface comprises another physiological sensor, wherein the physiological sensor and the other physiological sensor sense one of the force, the pressure, or the capacitance at different locations of the facial interface. 
     
     
       10. The head-mounted display according to  claim 1 , wherein the display unit includes another physiological sensor, and the facial interface is configured for the other physiological sensor to measure another condition of the user in the facial engagement region of the user. 
     
     
       11. The head-mounted display according to  claim 10 , wherein the facial interface defines an additional window whereby the other physiological sensor optically senses the other physiological condition through the additional window. 
     
     
       12. The head-mounted display according to  claim 10 , wherein the facial interface includes a conductive material that engages the facial engagement region of the user, and the other physiological sensor measures the other physiological condition of the user via the conductive material. 
     
     
       13. A facial interface for a head-mounted display comprising:
 a compliant structure for engaging a facial engagement region of a face of a user, the facial engagement region extending between an outer edge and an inner edge of the compliant structure, wherein the compliant structure defines a window through which the facial engagement region is observable, the window positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge of the compliant structure, and the inner edge extends around both eyes of the user; 
 a physiological sensor coupled to the display so that the window allows observation of the facial engagement region by the physiological sensor to measure a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region; 
 a mechanical connector coupled to the compliant structure and by which the facial interface is removably coupleable to the head-mounted display; and 
 a data connector coupled to the physiological sensor and by which physiological information is sent from the physiological sensor to the head-mounted display. 
 
     
     
       14. The facial interface of  claim 13 , wherein the mechanical connector corresponds to another mechanical connector of the head-mounted display, and the data connector corresponds to another data connector of the head-mounted display. 
     
     
       15. The facial interface of  claim 14 , wherein the data connector forms a data connection with another data connector of the head-mounted display, wherein the data connector is of a common type with a third data connector of another facial interface that is interchangeably coupleable to the head-mounted display. 
     
     
       16. The facial interface of  claim 13 , wherein the physiological sensor is of a different type from another physiological sensor of another facial interface that is interchangeably coupleable to the head-mounted display. 
     
     
       17. A display system comprising:
 a head-mounted display comprising:
 a display unit for displaying graphical content to a user; 
 a facial interface coupled to the display unit and configured to engage a facial engagement region of a face of the user for supporting the display unit thereon; and 
 a physiological sensor recessed into the facial interface and configured to sense a first measurement of a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region and a second measurement of the physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region, wherein a surface of the physiological sensor is aligned with an outer surface of the facial interface such that the surface of the physiological sensor and the outer surface of the facial interface are configured to engage the facial engagement region of the user to sense the first measurement and the second measurement; 
 
 wherein the head-mounted display forms a determination based on a comparison between the first measurement and the second measurement, and performs an operation according to the comparison; 
 wherein the first measurement and the second measurement are sensed by the physiological sensor at different times. 
 
     
     
       18. The display system according to  claim 17 , wherein the physiological sensor senses the physiological condition in another region surrounded by the facial engagement region. 
     
     
       19. The display system according to  claim 18 , wherein the physiological condition is associated with an eye of the user. 
     
     
       20. The display system according to  claim 19 , wherein the operation includes providing an indication of a position of the head-mounted display on the user. 
     
     
       21. The display system according to  claim 17 , wherein the operation includes varying the graphical content. 
     
     
       22. The display system according to  claim 17 , further comprising an additional physiological sensor for sensing an additional physiological condition of the user outside the facial engagement region;
 wherein the head-mounted display forms an additional determination based on an additional comparison between an additional physiological condition and a previously sensed additional physiological condition, and performs the operation according to the additional comparison; and 
 wherein the additional physiological condition and the previously sensed additional physiological condition are sensed by the additional physiological sensor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/793,466, 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 head-mounted displays and, in particular, sensing physiological conditions therewith. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Head-mounted displays are worn on heads of users and display graphical content thereto. A typical head-mounted display includes a display, a head support, and a facial interface. The display displays the graphical content. The head support is coupled to the display and engages the head of the user to support the display. The facial interface is coupled to the display and engages the face of the user to support the display. For example, for head-mounted displays that are used to display graphical content of a computer-generated environment, the facial interface may engage the face of the user substantially surrounding the eyes of the user to block substantially all ambient light from reach the eyes. The facial interface is typically made of or includes a compliant material (e.g., foam or rubber) that engages and conforms to the shape of the face. 
     The face of the user may provide various physiological information that may be used in various manners, for example, in delivering the graphical content with the head-mounted display. However, the facial interface may hide portions of the face from view of various physiological sensors and/or may influence physiological conditions that might otherwise provide valuable information. For example, the user may provide a facial expression that, absent facial contact with the facial interface, would take a certain form and would be observable, such as raising of brows for a surprised facial expression. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of head-mounted displays. 
     In an implementation, a head-mounted display includes a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit displays graphical content to the user. The facial interface is removably coupleable to the display unit and engages a facial engagement region of a face of the user whereby the display unit is supported on the face of the user. The facial interface includes a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region. 
     In an implementation, a facial interface for a head-mounted display includes a compliant structure, a physiological sensor, a mechanical connector, and a data connector. The compliant structure engages a facial engagement region of a face of a user to support the head-mounted display thereon. The physiological sensor is coupled to the compliant structure for measuring a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region. The mechanical connector is coupled to the compliant structure and is removably coupleable to the head-mounted display. The data connector is coupled to the physiological sensor and sends physiological data from the physiological sensor to the head-mounted display. 
     In an implementation, a display system includes a head-mounted display and an electronic device that is physically separate from the head-mounted display. The head-mounted display includes a display unit for displaying graphical content to a user and a facial interface coupled to the display unit. The facial interface is configured to engage a facial engagement region of a face of the user for supporting the display unit on the face. The facial interface includes a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region. The electronic device is in communication with the facial interface. The electronic device includes another sensor for sensing another condition. The head-mounted display forms a determination according to both the physiological condition and the other condition, and performs an operation according to the determination. 
     In an implementation, a display system includes a head mounted display having a display unit, a facial interface having a physiological sensor, and another physiological sensor. The display unit displays graphical content to a user. The facial interface is coupled to the display unit and is configured to engage a facial engagement region of a face of the user to support the display unit thereon. The facial interface includes a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region. The other physiological sensor senses another physiological condition of the user outside the facial engagement region. The display system forms a determination according to both the physiological condition and the other physiological condition, and performs an operation according to the determination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, dash-dash lines generally represent components that are hidden from view or are movable between states. Dash-dot lines generally represent portions of the user that are hidden from view. 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a head-mounted display worn on a head of a user with hidden component depicted in dash-dash lines and hidden portions of the user depicted in dash-dot lines. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1    being worn on the head. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of electronics of the head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic view of an example hardware configuration of a controller of the head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the head-mounted display and the user depicting a facial engagement region on the user and a facial interface of the head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional view of the head-mounted display taken along line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the head-mounted display taken along line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic view of a facial interface with optional sensors thereof. 
         FIG.  7    is a rear view of the head-mounted display of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a front view of the user further illustrating the facial engagement region. 
         FIG.  9    is a rear view of the head-mounted display with the facial interface in a decoupled configuration (solid lines) and a coupled configuration (dashed lines). 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic view of the head-mounted display including mechanical, power, and data connections. 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart of a method for physiological identification of a user with a head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a flowchart of a method for identifying a suitable facial interface of a head-mounted display for a user. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a rear view of a facial interface for evaluating a face of a user for identifying the suitable facial interface. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart of a method for assessing placement of a head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart of a method for varying graphical content with a head-mounted display. 
         FIG.  15    is a flow chart of a method for operating a display system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are head-mounted displays and facial interfaces thereof, which sense physiological conditions in portions of a face of a user engaged by the facial interface itself. The facial interface may include one or more sensors and/or portions of sensors. Instead or additionally, the facial interface may include sensing windows that allow observation of those portions of the face that are engaged by the facial interface with sensors of the head-mounted display, such as in a display thereof. 
     The head-mounted display may also include sensors for sensing physiological conditions of the user in areas not engaged by the facial interface, such as with sensors of the head-mounted display that observe areas surrounded by or outward of the facial interface. The physiological information from areas engaged by the facial interface may be used in conjunction with physiological information from areas not engaged by the facial interface, for example, to make various determinations and/or provide various outputs in response thereto. 
     The facial interface may also be removably or interchangeably coupleable to the display. Thereby, facial interfaces of different sensing functionality and/or fit may be attached to the display, for example, according to different graphical content and/or different users. Furthermore, the facial interfaces may be removable for cleaning or replacement. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a head-mounted display  100  is wearable on a head H of a user and displays graphical content thereto, such as of a computer-generated environment (discussed in further detail below). The head-mounted display  100  generally includes a display unit  110 , a head support  120 , a facial interface  130 , and electronics  140 . The head-mounted display  100  may also be referred to as a display system. 
     The display unit  110  includes one or more display screens  112  that display the graphical content and a housing  114  to which the display screens  112  are coupled and which hides various components from view. The housing  114  may further function to block ambient light from reaching the eyes E of the user. The display unit  110  may, for example, be a dedicated-purpose device for displaying content while being worn on the head H of the user, as opposed to having a removable display screen, such as a smartphone that also is usable as a hand-held device. As such, the display screens  112  may be fixedly coupled, as opposed to being interchangeably coupleable, to the housing  114 . 
     The head support  120  is coupled to the display unit  110  and engages the head H of the user to support the display unit  110  thereon. The head support  120  may, for example, be a band that extends around sides and a rear of the head H of the user. The head support  120  may be coupled to the housing  114  of the display unit  110 . 
     The facial interface  130  is coupled to the display unit  110  and engages the face F of the user to support the display unit  110  thereon. For example, the facial interface  130  may be coupled to a rear end of the display unit  110  proximate the user, such as to the housing  114  (e.g., a rear surface or an inward end or surface), while the head support  120  may be in tension around the head H of user, thereby pressing the facial interface  130  generally rearward against the face F of the user. The facial interface  130  may be arranged generally between the face of the user and the display screens  112  (e.g., without the display screens  112  or portions thereof being between the facial interface  130  and the face of the user). The facial interface  130  may include one or more physiological sensors  132  that detect physiological conditions (e.g., conditions of the user) and may further include one or more haptic output devices  133 , which are discussed in further detail below. 
     The electronics  140  are electronic components for operation of the head-mounted display  100 . The electronics  140  may be coupled to the display unit  110 , for example, being contained within the housing  114 . Some of the electronics  140  and/or other electronics of the display system may be positioned remotely from the display unit  110 , such as another computing device in communication with the display unit  110  and/or the facial interface  130 . Referring to  FIG.  3   , the electronics may generally include a controller  342 , sensors  344 , a communications interface  346 , and power electronics  348 , among others. The electronics  140  may also be considered to include the display screens  112  of the display unit  110 . The controller  342  generally controls operations of the head-mounted display  100 , for example, receiving input signals from the sensors  344  and/or the communications interface  346  and sending control signals to the display unit  110  (e.g., to the display screens  112 ) for outputting the graphical content. An example hardware configuration for the controller  342  is discussed below with reference to  FIG.  4   . The sensors  344  sense conditions of the user (e.g., physiological conditions), the head-mounted display  100  (e.g., position, orientation, movement), and/or the environment (e.g., sound, light, images). The sensors  344  may be any suitable type of sensor discussed below with reference to the (see, e.g., sensor types in  FIG.  6   ). The communications interface  346  is configured to receive signals from an electronic device  350  that is physically separate from the head-mounted display  100 . The power electronics  348  store and/or supply electric power for operating the head-mounted display and may, for example, include one or more batteries. The electronic device  350  may be a user input device (e.g., a user controller), another electronic device associated with the user (e.g., a smartphone or a wearable electronic device), or another electronic device not associated with the user (e.g., a server, smartphone associated with another person). The electronic device  350  may include sensors  350   a  that may sense various other conditions of the user, such as location or movement thereof. The electronic device  350  may be considered part of a display system that includes the head-mounted display  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the controller  342  may be used to implement the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein. For example, the controller  342  may receive various signals from various electronic components (e.g., the sensors  344  and the communications interface  346 ) and control output of the display screens  112  according thereto to display the graphical content. In an example hardware configuration, the controller  342  generally includes a processor  442   a,  a memory  442   b,  a storage  442   c,  a communications interface  442   d,  and a bus  442   e  by which the other components of the controller  342  are in communication. The processor  442   a  may be any suitable processor, such as a central processing unit, for executing computer instructions and performing operations described thereby. The memory  442   b  may be a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The storage  442   c  may be a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage  442   c  may form a computer readable medium that stores instructions (e.g., code) executed by the processor  442   a  for operating the head-mounted display  100 , for example, in the manners described above and below. The communications interface  442   d  is in communication with other electronic components (e.g., the sensors  344 , the communications interface  346 , and/or the display screens  112 ) for sending thereto and receiving therefrom various signals (e.g., control signals and/or sensor signals). 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the facial interface  130  engages the face F of the user in a facial engagement region F engagement . As shown, the facial interface  130  extends around the eyes E of the user. The facial interface  130  engages the face F to block ambient light from reaching the eyes E by extending above, arounds side of, and below the eyes E of the user. The facial engagement region F engagement  additionally generally extends between an outer edge  130   a  and an inner edge  130   b  of the facial interface  130 . The facial engagement region F engagement , by virtue of being engaged by the facial interface  130 , is substantially covered or hidden from view by the facial interface  130 . Alternatively, the facial interface  130  may not extend fully around the eyes E of the user, for example, extending above but not below the eyes E, or having a gap in the region of the nose N of the user. For example, the facial engagement region F engagement  may include only a forehead engagement region FH engagement  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  8   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the facial interface  130  is configured to be compliant, so as to comfortably engage and conform to the face F of the user. The facial interface  130  includes a compliant structure  530   a  that engages the face F of the user in the facial engagement region F engagement  and to which the one or more physiological sensors  132  and/or the haptic output devices  133  (not shown) are coupled. The compliant structure  530   a  forms the general shape of the facial interface  130  (e.g., extending around the eyes E of the user, as shown in  FIG.  5   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 A , the compliant structure  530   a  may be a continuously-formed structure and may be compressed toward the housing  114  of the display unit  110  (e.g., such deflection illustrated by the dashed line). For example, the compliant structure  530   a  may be formed of an elastomer, such as rubber or silicone in which case the compliant structure  530   a  may directly engage the face F of the user. The physiological sensor  132  is surrounded by (e.g., recessed or embedded into) the compliant structure  530   a  and is arranged to sense the physiological condition, for example, being at an outer surface of the compliant structure  530   a  or otherwise in suitable proximity to the user. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , a variation of the compliant structure  530   a ′ is formed of multiple components, such as a backing layer  530   b  (e.g., a rigid or flexible plate formed of polymer, such as plastic) to which is coupled a compliant layer  530   c  (e.g., made of foam, rubber, or other compressible material). The compliant layer  530   c  may be further covered by a covering  530   d  that is flexible, such as a woven textile or other material (e.g., flexible sheet polymer). The covering  530   d  may also be used in conjunction with the compliant structure  530   a  as shown in  FIG.  5 A . The physiological sensor  132  is surrounded (e.g., recessed or embedded into) the compliant layer  530   c  and is arranged to sense the physiological condition of the user. For example, as referenced below, the physiological sensor  132  may be a force sensor  632   a  arranged in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the covering  530   d.  In another example, as referenced below, the physiological sensor  132  may be the electrode  632   f  or another bioelectric signal sensor (e.g., brain activity sensor  632   g,  muscle activity sensor  632   h,  or heart rate sensor  632   i ) in which case the covering  530   d  may be conductive in the region of the physiological sensor  132 . The covering  530   d  may also be used in conjunction with the compliant structure  530   a.    
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the facial interface  130  includes one or more of the physiological sensors  132  that are used to sense one or more physiological conditions of the user in the facial engagement region F engagement . The physiological sensor  132  may itself be a complete sensor that outputs a sensor signal according to the sensed physiological condition. For example, the physiological sensor  132  may be a force sensor that outputs an analog or digital signal according to the force sensed thereby. Alternatively, the physiological sensor  132  may be a component of a sensor system. For example, the physiological sensor  132  may be an electrode for electroencephalography (EEG) that is connected to a remote computing device (e.g., the controller  342 ) that in turn determines electrical activity of the brain of the user. 
     The one or more physiological sensors  132  may be configured to sense physiological conditions in the facial engagement region F engagement , which may include force, temperature, moisture, displacement, capacitance, brain activity (e.g., EEG as mentioned above), muscle activity (e.g., via force sensors and/or electromyography (EMG)), and/or heart rate. While each of the various types of the physiological sensors  132  are depicted as part of the facial interface  130  (e.g., sensors  632   a  to  632   i ), it should be understood that the facial interface  130  may include none, one, or multiple of each type of the physiological sensors  132 . 
     To measure force, the physiological sensor  132  may be a force sensor  632   a,  such as a spring displacement sensor (e.g., measuring displacement of a spring of known properties), a hydraulic or pneumatic load cell (e.g., measuring pressure of a contained fluid), a strain gauge, or a piezoelectric force sensor. The force sensor  632   a  may directly engage the face F of the user or may be hidden from view, for example, behind the covering  530   d  of the facial interface  130  (see  FIG.  5 B ). In regions of the force sensor  632   a,  the covering  530   d  is preferably thin and/or generally incompressible, so as to provide accurate measurements of the force applied by the facial interface  130  to the face F of the user. Alternatively, the covering  530   d  may be compressible, so as to provide padding between the face F of the user and the force sensor  632   a  (e.g., being formed of or otherwise including a compressible material, such as a foam, silicone, or fabric). 
     To measure moisture, the physiological sensor  132  may be a moisture sensor  632   b,  such as a hygrometer or infrared moisture sensor. In the case of the moisture sensor  632   b  being a hygrometer, the moisture sensor  632   b  is in fluidic communication with the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user. For example, the moisture sensor  632   b  may be arranged behind the covering  530   d  of the facial interface  130 , such as behind a woven fabric or foam material through which moisture may travel. 
     To measure temperature, the physiological sensor  132  may be a temperature sensor  632   c,  such as a thermocouple, thermistor, a resistance thermometer, or an infrared temperature sensor. In the cases of the thermocouple, the thermistor, or the resistance thermometer, the temperature sensor  632   c  may be arranged in direct contact with the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user, or otherwise be in a thermally conductive relationship therewith (e.g., being behind and conductively coupled to a highly thermally conductive material of the covering  530   d ). In the case of the infrared temperature sensor, the temperature sensor  632   c  is able to sense infrared radiation of the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user either directly or as thermally conducted to an intervening material (e.g., of the covering  530   d ) by the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user. 
     To measure displacement, the physiological sensor  132  may be a displacement sensor  632   d,  such as a contact-type displacement gauge. As the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F moves, the displacement sensor  632   d  is moved and the displacement thereof measured. 
     To measure capacitance, the physiological sensor  132  may be a capacitive sensor  632   e  of suitable type. 
     To measure brain activity (e.g., electroencephalography or EEG), muscle activity (e.g., electromyography or EMG), and/or heart rate (e.g., electrocardiography or ECG), the physiological sensor  132  may be a suitable bioelectric signal sensor. In one example, the bioelectric signal sensor is an electrode  632   f.  It should be noted that the electrode  632   f  may take different forms depending on the physiological condition sensed (e.g., being physically different for sensing different bioelectric activity (e.g., bioelectric signals), such as brain activity, muscle activity, or heart activity). The electrode  632   f  may be incorporated into the covering  530   d,  for example, having a conductive fiber that is woven into a woven fabric of the covering  530   d.  Alternatively, the electrode  632   f  may be formed of another material and arranged to directly contact the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user. 
     Instead of being an electrode  632   f,  the physiological sensor  132  may be a brain activity sensor  632   g  (e.g., an EEG sensor) that contacts the face F to measure brain activity, a muscle activity sensor  632   h  (e.g., an EMG sensor) that contacts the face F to measure muscle activity, or a heart rate sensor  632   i  that contacts or observes the face F to measure heart rate. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the facial interface  130  may include a window  736  by which the facial engagement region F engagement  is optically observable. For example, the window  736  may be formed in the covering  530   d,  while one of the sensors  344  coupled to the display unit  110  observes the facial engagement region F engagement  therebehind to sense conditions of the user (e.g., a camera for measuring facial movements of the user, an optical heart rate sensor having an optical emitter and a detector, or an infrared sensor). 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the one or more physiological sensors  132  may be provided in one or more suitable locations in the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user for measuring the physiological condition associated therewith (e.g., force, moisture, temperature, displacement, brain activity, muscle activity, or heart activity). For example, one of more of the physiological sensors  132  may be arranged in of a forehead engagement region FH engagement , a temple engagement region T engagement , and/or a cheek engagement region C engagement  of the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user. The force sensors  632   a  may be arranged in areas where pressure is desirable to be measured, for example, to detect particular facial expressions or to assess comfort, such as in the forehead engagement region FH engagement , the temple engagement region T engagement , or the cheek engagement region C engagement . The brain activity sensors  632   g  may be positioned where brain activity may be measurable, such as in the forehead engagement region FH engagement . The muscle activity sensors  632   h  may be arranged where facial movement may be measured, for example, to assess facial expressions, such as in the forehead engagement region FH engagement , the temple engagement region T engagement , and/or the cheek engagement region C engagement . The heart rate sensor  632   i  may be arranged where the heart rate may be optically sensed, such as in the temple engagement region T engagement , or where the heart rate may be electrically measurable, such as in the forehead engagement region FH engagement . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the facial interface  130  may be removably coupleable to the display unit  110 . The head-mounted display  100  forms mechanical connections  902  at one or more locations, one or more power connections  904 , and one or more data connections  906  between the facial interface  130  and the display unit  110 . 
     The mechanical connections  902  mechanically couple the facial interface  130  to the display unit  110 , such that the facial interface  130  and the display unit  110  may be supported by each other, such as for the facial interface  130  to support the display unit  110  on the face F of the user. The mechanical connections  902  may, for example, be formed magnetically (e.g., permanent magnets and corresponding permanent magnets or attractor plates), with hook and loop fasteners, with an interference fit (e.g., a forward end of the facial interface  130  fitting tightly within or around the display unit  110 ), with protrusions that passively engage corresponding slots or recesses, with mechanisms (e.g., latches), or combinations thereof. The mechanical connections  902  may be formed at one or more locations, for example, with facial interface mechanical connectors  930   a  distributed about the facial interface  130  (e.g., being coupled to the compliant structure  530   a ) and display unit mechanical connectors  910   a  distributed about the display unit  110  at corresponding locations (e.g., being coupled to the housing  114 ). 
     The power connection  904  transfers electrical power between the display unit  110  and the facial interface  130 , such as to the facial interface  130  to be powered by the display unit  110  (e.g., the physiological sensors  132  of the facial interface  130  being powered by the display unit  110 ). The power connection  904  may be formed in any suitable manner, such as conductively (e.g., stationary contacts engaged by spring contacts, or a plug and corresponding receptacle) or wirelessly (e.g., with corresponding induction coils). The power connection  904  may be formed at one or more locations, for example, with a facial interface power connector  930   b  on the facial interface  130  and a display unit power connector  910   b  on the display unit  110  at a corresponding location. The facial interface power connector  930   b  is coupled to the one or more physiological sensors  132  to provide power thereto. The display unit power connector  910   b  is coupled to the power electronics  348 , directly or indirectly, to transfer power therefrom. 
     The data connection  906  transfers data between the display unit  110  and the facial interface  130 , such as control signals from the display unit  110  (e.g., the controller  342  thereof) to the facial interface  130  (e.g., the physiological sensors  132  and/or the haptic output devices  133  thereof) and/or sensor signals from the facial interface  130  (e.g., the physiological sensors  132  thereof) to the display unit  110  (e.g., the controller  342  thereof). The data connection  906  may be formed in any suitable manner, such as conductively (e.g., stationary contacts engaged by spring contacts, or a plug and corresponding receptacle) or wirelessly (e.g., wireless transceivers using suitable protocols, such as Bluetooth). The data connection  906  may be formed at one or more locations, for example, with a facial interface data connector  930   c  on the facial interface  130  and a display unit data connector  910   c  on the display unit  110  at a corresponding location. The facial interface data connector  930   c  is coupled to the one or more physiological sensors  132 , directly or indirectly, for example, to transfer control signals thereto and/or sensor signals therefrom (e.g., communicating sensed physiological information). The display unit data connector  910   c  is coupled to the controller  342 , directly or indirectly, for example, to transfer the control signals therefrom and/or the sensor signals thereto (e.g., to received sensed physiological information). 
     The power connection  904  and the data connection  906  may both be formed by a common connection system, such as a plug and receptacle system capable of transferring both power and data. For example, the power connection  904  and the data connection  906  may be formed with a suitable type of Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, such as USB Type C. 
     The head-mounted display  100  and, in particular the display unit  110  thereof, may be configured to interchangeably couple to different facial interfaces  130 . The different facial interfaces  130  may differ, for example, by size and/or shape (e.g., such that the display unit  110  may be used with people having different sized faces F). The different facial interfaces  130  may instead or additionally differ by the configuration the physiological sensors  132  thereof, for example, by having different types of the physiological sensors  132  (e.g., sensors  632   a  to  632   i ), numbers of the physiological sensors  132 , and/or placement of the physiological sensors  132 . By providing different facial interfaces  130  with differently configured physiological sensors  132 , different functions may be provided thereby. For example, one facial interface  130  may include one or more of the brain activity sensors  632   g  and/or one or more of the electrodes  632   f  for monitoring brain activity, while another facial interface  130  may include the force sensors  632   a.  The different facial interfaces  130  may be interchangeably coupleable to the display unit  110 , for example, by forming the mechanical connections  902 , the power connections  904 , and/or the data connections  906  with the display unit  110  in the same manner as each other. For example, the two different facial interfaces  130  form the power connection  904  and/or the data connections  906  with a common type of power connectors  910   b,    930   b  and/or the data connectors  910   c,    930   c,  such as with a standardized connector (e.g., USB-C) capable of forming both the power connection  904  and the data connection  906 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 - 15   , the physiological information sensed with the one or more physiological sensors  132  in the facial engagement region F engagement  may be used in various different manners, for example, for physiological identification, assessing user fit, assessing and/or guiding placement, varying graphical content, and simply outputting physiological information for other purposes, such as individual health monitoring, multi-person health studies, or yet-to-be determined uses. Furthermore, in one or more of the various uses of the physiological sensors  132 , the head-mounted display  100  may further utilize information from the sensors  344  of the electronics  140 , for example, to supplement, confirm, and/or negate assessments using the physiological information sensed with the one or more physiological sensors  132  in the facial engagement region F engagement . The sensors  344  may, for example, sense physiological conditions of the user in areas surrounded by the facial engagement region F engagement  (e.g., surrounded by the facial interface  130 ), such as conditions or characteristics of the eye E of the user. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , a method  1100  is provided for physiological authentication with a head-mounted display. Physiological conditions are sensed in a first operation  1110 , the physiological conditions are evaluated to identify or authenticate a user in a second operation  1120 , and upon identifying or authenticating the user, permission is granted to the user in a third operation  1130 . 
     In the first operation  1110 , the physiological conditions are sensed with one or more sensors in the facial engagement region F engagement , such as with one of the physiological sensors  132 , for example, in conjunction with the controller  342 . The physiological conditions may, for example, include force and/or displacement measurements at various locations (e.g., for determining a shape of the face F or facial features of the user) or bioelectric signals suitable for identifying the user. 
     The first operation  1110  may further include a suboperation  1115  in which physiological conditions of the user are additionally sensed in facial regions outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  (i.e., in regions not engaged by the facial interface  130 ). For example, one of the sensors  344  (e.g., a camera) of the electronics  140  of the display unit  110  may sense conditions of one or more of the eyes E of the user. 
     In the second operation  1120 , the physiological conditions sensed in the first operation  1110  are evaluated with a computing device, such as the controller  342 , to identify or authenticate the user. For example, the physiological conditions are compared against those previously measured or determined of one or more approved users. If the sensed physiological conditions match or otherwise favorably compare to those previously measured conditions of the user, the user is considered identified or authenticated. 
     The second operation  1120  may further include a suboperation  1125  in which he physiological conditions sensed in the facial regions outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  are evaluated. For example, the physiological conditions from outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  are compared against those previously measured or determined of the one or more approved users. If both the physiological conditions within and outside the facial engagement region F engagement  match or otherwise favorably compare to those previously measured conditions, the user is considered identified or authenticated. 
     In the third operation  1130 , according to the identification or authentication determined in the second operation  1120 , the head-mounted display  100  provides the user one or more permissions, for example, to access different functionality (e.g., graphical content) of the head-mounted display  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , a method  1200  is provided determining a suitable facial interface for a user. Physiological conditions of a user are sensed in a first operation  1210 , the sensed physiological conditions are then compared to physiological criteria of different facial interfaces in a second operation  1220 , and one of the different facial interfaces is identified in a third operation  1230 . 
     In the first operation  1210 , the physiological conditions of the user are sensed with a facial interface  130 , such as a variation of the facial interface  1230   a  shown in  FIG.  12 B  that includes the physiological sensors  132  distributed thereabout (e.g., above, below, and/or along sides of the eyes E of the user). The physiological sensors  132  are of a type suitable for measuring the shape of the face F of the user or features thereof, such as the force sensor  632   a  (e.g., force distribution about the facial engagement region F engagement ) or the displacement sensors  632   d.    
     In the second operation  1220 , the physiological conditions sensed in the first operation  1210  are evaluated with a computing device, such as the controller  342  of the head-mounted display  100 , to determine facial shape characteristics. For example, the facial shape may be broadly characterized (e.g., by size and/or ethnicity) based on the physiological conditions, or facial shape characteristics may be more discretely characterized (e.g., size and relative position of individual features, such as a brow and nose of the user). 
     In the third operation  1230 , the facial shape characteristics are compared to corresponding characteristics of different facial interfaces with the computing device, such as the facial interfaces  130  or other facial interfaces that lack the physiological sensors  132 , so as to identify one or more suitable ones of the facial interfaces for face F of the user. For example, different facial interfaces  130  having different sizes or shapes may have acceptable ranges of values for the facial shape characteristics, and a suitable facial interface  130  for the user is identified if the facial shape characteristics fall within the acceptable ranges thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , a method  1300  is provided for assessing placement of a head-mounted display  100 . A physiological condition is sensed in a first operation  1310 , a position is assessed in a second operation  1320 , and placement feedback is provided in a third operation  1330 . 
     In the first operation  1310 , the physiological condition is sensed with a sensor, such as one of the physiological sensors  132  suitable for evaluating placement of the facial interface  130  on the face F of the user. For example, the physiological sensors  132  may be one or more of the force sensors  632   a  or the displacement sensors  632   d  (e.g., by which the shape or facial characteristics of the face F may be determined), the capacitive sensors  632   e,  or suitable ones of the bioelectric signal sensors. 
     The first operation  1310  may further include a first suboperation  1315  in which physiological conditions of the user are additionally sensed in facial regions outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  (i.e., in regions not engaged by the facial interface  130 ). For example, one of the sensors  344  of the electronics  140  of the display unit  110  may sense conditions of one or more of the eyes E of the user (e.g., locations of the eyes E, for example, using a camera and image recognition). 
     In the second operation  1320 , the position is assessed according to the physiological condition sensed in the first operation  1310  with a computing device, such as the controller  342 . For example, proper contact with face F of the user may be evaluated by comparing the physiological conditions sensed by the force sensors  632   a,  the capacitive sensors  632   e,  and the capacitive sensors  632   e  to such physiological conditions sensed at a previous time when the facial interface  130  was properly positioned on the face of the user. 
     The second operation  1320  may further include a suboperation  1325  in which he physiological conditions sensed in the facial regions outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  are evaluated. For example, the position of the head-mounted display  100  on the face F of the user may be further evaluated according to the sensed positions of the eyes E of the user. 
     In the third operation  1330 , the placement feedback (e.g., a position indication) is provided according to the position assessment determined in the second operation  1320 , for example, as graphical feedback output by the display unit  110 , as audio feedback output by an audio output device, or haptic feedback output by the haptic output device  133 , as may be controlled by the computing device. The placement feedback may be binary (e.g., a negative indication if the facial interface  130  is not in proper position on the face F of the user), or may be instructive (e.g., providing the user instructions on how to move the head-mounted display  100  into proper position). 
     Referring to  FIG.  14   , a method  1400  is provided for varying graphical content with a head-mounted display. A physiological condition is sensed in a first operation  1410 , a user emotional state is assessed in a second operation  1420 , and the graphical content is varied according to the user emotional state in a third operation  1430 . 
     In the first operation  1410 , the physiological condition is sensed with a sensor, such as one of the physiological sensors  132  suitable for evaluating the emotional state of the user. For example, the physiological sensors  132  may be one or more of the bioelectric signal sensors, such as the electrodes  632   f,  the brain activity sensors  632   g,  the muscle activity sensors  632   h,  and/or the heart rate sensors  632   i.  Elevated brain activity, muscle activity, or heart rate may indicate a heightened emotional state, while lower brain activity, muscle activity, or heart rate may indicate a calm emotional state. The first operation  1410  may include a suboperation  1415  in which another physiological condition is sensed, which is of a different type. The other physiological condition may be sensed within or outside of the facial engagement region F engagement . For example, when a user attempts a natural facial expression (e.g., a smile), which may be inhibited by the facial interface  130 , muscle activity sensors  632   h  and force sensors  632   a  may each sense physiological conditions indicative of the facial expression. 
     In the second operation  1420 , the user emotional state is assessed according to the physiological condition sensed in the first operation  1410  with a computing device, such as the controller  342 . For example, the brain activity, muscle activity, or heart rate may be compared to an upper threshold (e.g., above which the user is determined to be in a heightened emotional state), be compared to a lower threshold (e.g., below which the user is determined to be in a calm emotional state), assessed for a trend (e.g., if increasing or decreasing the user is determined to be moving, respectively, toward a heightened or calm emotional state), or other criteria (e.g., patterns in bioelectric signals). The second operation  1420  may include a suboperation  1425  in which the other physiological condition is evaluated. For example, a determination of the emotional state may be based on both the first physiological condition and the second (e.g., other) physiological condition. 
     In other examples, the force sensors  632   a  and/or the displacement sensors  632   d  may be used to identify facial expressions indicative of the emotional state of the user (e.g., facial expressions indicating surprise or calm). 
     In the third operation  1430 , the graphical content is varied according to the user emotional state determined in the second operation  1420 . The graphical content may, example, be varied to induce or maintain the elevated emotional state (e.g., by displaying more rapidly moving graphical content) or the calm emotional state (e.g., by displaying less rapidly moving graphical content). The graphical content may also be varied according to the nature of the software program according to which the graphical content is delivered. For example, for software programs intended to induce a high emotional state, the graphical content may be provided in a manner intended to change the emotional state of the user away from the calm emotional state. For software programs intended to relax the user, the graphical content may be provided in a manner intended to change the emotional state of the user away from the heightened emotional state. 
     Referring to  FIG.  15   , a method  1500  is provided for operating a head-mounted display according to physiological conditions sensed in a facial engagement region F engagement  of the user and another condition. The physiological condition is sensed in a first operation  1510 , another condition is sensed in a second operation  1520 , a determination is made according to both the physiological condition and the other condition in a third operation  1530 , and an operation is performed according to the determination in a fourth operation  1540 . 
     In the first operation  1510 , the physiological condition is sensed with a sensor, such as the physiological sensor  132 , in the facial engagement region F engagement  of the face F of the user. The physiological sensor  132  may be any of the sensor types described above (e.g.,  632   a  to  632   i ) and the physiological condition may be any of the physiological conditions discussed above. 
     In the second operation  1520 , another condition is sensed with another sensor. The other sensor may be another sensor of the head-mounted display  100 , such as the sensor  344 , in which case the sensor  344  may sense another physiological condition of the user in another facial region outside of the facial engagement region F engagement  (e.g., eye position) or another condition (e.g., movement of the head-mounted display). Alternatively, the other sensor may be a sensor of the electronic device  350  in which the other condition may be movement of the electronic device  350  (e.g., indicating movement of the user). 
     In the third operation  1530 , a determination is made according to both the physiological condition sensed in the first operation  1510  and the other condition sensed in the second operation  1520 . The determination is made by a computing device, such as the controller  342 . The determination requires both the physiological condition and the other condition as inputs. In one example, the determination may be that the head-mounted display is out of position, which may be determined according to both the physiological condition of unevenly distributed force and the other condition of the eyes E of the user being offset relative to the display unit  110 . In another example, the determination may be that the user is highly active, which may be determined according to both the physiological condition of high brain activity and the other condition high movement of the electronic device  350 . 
     In the fourth operation  1540 , a further operation is performed according to the determination made in the third operation  1530 . Various examples of the further operations include providing binary or instructive position feedback (discussed above) or varying graphical content (e.g., displaying rapidly changing graphics of the user is highly active). 
     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 physiological conditions of the 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 can be used to for user identification and varying graphical content, among other uses. 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 varying content or authenticating a 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 various physiological for varying graphical content or other uses, such as health studies. In yet another example, users can select to limit times at which physiological data is sensed (e.g., only during authentication). 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, graphical content may be varied 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, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200114
Publication Date: 20230829
Grant Date: 20230829
Priority Date: 20190117
Inventors: STRONGWATER, DANIEL M.
BAUERLY, KRISTI E.
HATFIELD, DUSTIN A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/012", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/015", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/176", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/011", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/015", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/012", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/176", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/012", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/015", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/176", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69529029