PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11953690-B2
Application Number: US-202318122058-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Head-mountable device and connector

Abstract:
Multiple head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices can operate in concert to provide multiple users with shared experiences and content enjoyment. Such operations can be facilitated by a connection between multiple head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to allow different users to receive content. Such a connection can be made possible by a connector that directly and physically connects head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to each other and transmits signals there between. By providing a physical connection, the signals can be efficiently transmitted even when other types of connections (e.g., wireless) are not available.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A head-mountable device comprising:
 a camera; 
 a first display element; 
 a connection port for communicating with an electronic device; and 
 a processor configured to:
 capture an image with the camera; 
 transmit, to the electronic device via the connection port, a first signal indicating the image for display on a second display element of the electronic device; and 
 receive, from the electronic device via the connection port, a second signal indicating a user input provided to the electronic device at the second display of the electronic device and detected with a touch sensor of the electronic device while the image is output on the second display element; 
 output, on the first display element, a visual feature corresponding to the user input, wherein a location of the visual feature on the image while the image is output on the first display element corresponds to a touch location of the user input detected by the touch sensor while the image is output on the second display element. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The head-mountable device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first display element is configured to display a first portion of the image based on an orientation of the head-mountable device; and 
 the electronic device is configured to display a second portion of the image based on the user input received at the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       3. The head-mountable device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is an additional head-mountable device and further comprises
 an additional camera. 
 
     
     
       4. The head-mountable device of  claim 3 , wherein the additional head-mountable device is configured to detect an additional user input with an eye-tracking sensor. 
     
     
       5. The head-mountable device of  claim 4 , wherein the location of the visual feature on the image further corresponds to a gaze location detected by the eye-tracking sensor. 
     
     
       6. A system comprising:
 a head-mountable device comprising:
 a camera configured to capture an image; and 
 a first display element configured to output the image; and 
 a first connection port configured to output a first signal corresponding to the image; and 
 
 an electronic device comprising:
 a second connection port configured to receive the first signal; 
 a second display element configured to output the image; and 
 a touch sensor configured to detect a user input provided at the second display element while the image is output on the second display element, wherein the second connection port configured to transmit a second signal indicating the user input provided to the electronic device, 
 
 wherein the first display element is further configured to output a visual feature corresponding to the user input, wherein a location of the visual feature on the image while the image is output on the first display element corresponds to a touch location of the user input detected by the touch sensor while the image is output on the second display element. 
 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the head-mountable device further comprises:
 a first head securement element; 
 a first microphone; and 
 a first speaker; and 
 
 the electronic device further comprises:
 a second microphone; and 
 a second speaker. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the first display element is configured to display a first portion of the image based on an orientation of the head-mountable device; and 
 the electronic device is configured to display a second portion of the image based on the user input received at the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the electronic device is an additional head-mountable device and further comprises an additional camera. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the additional head-mountable device is configured to detect an additional user input with an eye-tracking sensor. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the location of the visual feature on the image further corresponds to a gaze location detected by the eye-tracking sensor. 
     
     
       12. An electronic device comprising:
 a first display element; 
 a touch sensor; 
 a connection port for communicating with a head-mountable device; and 
 a processor configured to:
 receive, from the head-mountable device and via the connection port, a first signal indicating an image for display on the first display element of the electronic device, the image being captured by a camera of the head-mountable device; and 
 detect, with the touch sensor, a user input provided at the first display element of the electronic device while the image is output on the first display element; 
 transmitting, to the head-mountable device and via the connection port, a second signal indicating the user input provided to the electronic device for output of a visual feature corresponding to the user input on the second display of the head-mountable device, wherein a location of the visual feature on the image while the image is output on a second display element of the head-mountable device corresponds to a touch location of the user input detected by the touch sensor while the image is output on the first display element. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first display element is configured to display a first portion of the image based on an orientation of the head-mountable device; and 
 the electronic device is configured to display a second portion of the image based on the user input received at the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the electronic device is an additional head-mountable device and further comprises an additional camera. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the additional head-mountable device is configured to detect an additional user input with an eye-tracking sensor. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the location of the visual feature on the image further corresponds to a gaze location detected by the eye-tracking sensor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2021/046671, entitled “HEAD-MOUNTABLE DEVICE AND CONNECTOR,” filed Aug. 19, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/078,814, entitled “HEAD-MOUNTABLE DEVICE AND CONNECTOR,” filed Sep. 15, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to head-mountable devices, and, more particularly, to head-mountable devices for use with a connector. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A head-mountable device can be worn by a user to display visual information within the field of view of the user. The head-mountable device can be used as a virtual reality (VR) system, an augmented reality (AR) system, and/or a mixed reality (MR) system. A user may observe outputs provided by the head-mountable device, such as visual information provided on a display. The display can optionally allow a user to observe an environment outside of the head-mountable device. Other outputs provided by the head-mountable device can include speaker output and/or haptic feedback. A user may further interact with the head-mountable device by providing inputs for processing by one or more components of the head-mountable device. For example, the user can provide tactile inputs, voice commands, and other inputs while the device is mounted to the user&#39;s head. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a top view of a head-mountable device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a rear view of head-mountable devices and a connector for operably connecting the head-mountable devices to each other, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a top view of head-mountable devices connected to each other and being worn by separate users, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a rear view of the head-mountable devices of  FIG.  3   , each providing a user interface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a rear view of the head-mountable devices of  FIG.  3   , each providing a user interface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a rear view of the head-mountable devices of  FIG.  3   , each providing a user interface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top view of head-mountable device and an electronic device connected to each other, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a rear view of the head-mountable device and the electronic device of  FIG.  7   , each providing a user interface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a rear view of head-mountable devices and an external device operably connected to each other by a connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a rear view of head-mountable devices and an external device operably connected to each other by a connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a block diagram of a head-mountable device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Head-mountable devices, such as head-mountable displays, headsets, visors, smartglasses, head-up display, etc., can perform a range of functions that are managed by the components (e.g., sensors, circuitry, and other hardware) included with the wearable device. 
     Multiple head-mounted devices can operate in concert to provide multiple users with shared experiences and content enjoyment. Such operations can be facilitated by a connection between multiple head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to allow different users to receive content. Such a connection can be made possible by a connector that directly and physically connects head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to each other and transmits signals there between. By providing a physical connection, the signals can be efficiently transmitted even when other types of connections (e.g., wireless) are not available. 
     The burden of processing can be shared between multiple devices and/or delegated to a designated device. At least some content provided for output on one device can be transmitted to another device for output thereat. The connection can facilitate such transmission in a manner that reduces the burden of generating content and/or adapting content for output on any given device. The distribution and/or focus of workload and sharing of processed information can lead to greatly improved power management and heat generation at one or more of the devices. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 11   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , a head-mountable device  100  can include a frame  110  and a head securement element  120 . The frame  110  can be worn on a head of a user. The frame  110  can be positioned in front of the eyes of a user to provide information within a field of view of the user. The frame  110  can optionally provide a nosepiece to rest on a user&#39;s nose and/or other face engagement portions to rest against the user&#39;s face. 
     The frame  110  can be supported on a user&#39;s head with a head securement element  120 . The head securement element  120  can wrap or extend along opposing sides of a user&#39;s head and/or to a rear of the user&#39;s head. The head securement element  120  can optionally include earpieces for wrapping around or otherwise engaging or resting on a user&#39;s ears. It will be appreciated that other configurations can be applied for securing the head-mountable device  100  to a user&#39;s head. For example, one or more bands, straps, belts, caps, hats, or other components can be used in addition to or in place of the illustrated components of the head-mountable device  100 . 
     The frame  110  can provide structure around a peripheral region thereof to support any internal components of the head-mountable device  100  in their assembled position. For example, the frame  110  can enclose and support various internal components (including for example integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the head-mountable device  100 , as discussed further herein. While several components are shown within the frame  110  of the head-mountable device  100 , it will be understood that some or all of these components can be located anywhere within or on the head-mountable device  100   f . For example, one or more of these components can be positioned within the face engagement module  180 , the arms  190 , and/or the head securement element  120  of the head-mountable device  100 . 
     The head-mountable device  100  can include and/or support one or more camera modules  130 . The camera modules  130  can be positioned on or near an outer side  112  of the frame  110  to capture images of views external to the head-mountable device  100 . As used herein, an outer side of a portion of a head-mountable device is a side that faces away from the user and/or towards an external environment. The captured images can be used for display to the user or stored for any other purpose. Each of the camera modules  130  can be movable along the outer side  112 . For example, a track or other guide can be provided for facilitating movement of the camera module  130  therein. 
     The head-mountable device  100  can include display elements  140  that provide visual output for viewing by a user wearing the head-mountable device  100 . One or more display elements  140  can be positioned on or near an inner side  114  of the frame  110 . As used herein, an inner side  114  of a portion of a head-mountable device  100  is a side that faces toward the user and/or away from the external environment. 
     A display element  140  can transmit light from a physical environment (e.g., as captured by a camera module) for viewing by the user. Such a display element  140  can include optical properties, such as lenses for vision correction based on incoming light from the physical environment. Additionally or alternatively, a display element  140  can provide information as a display within a field of view of the user. Such information can be provided to the exclusion of a view of a physical environment or in addition to (e.g., overlaid with) a physical environment. 
     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-mountable 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-mountable system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head-mountable system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). The head-mountable 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-mountable 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. 
     Each display element  140  can be adjusted to align with a corresponding eye of the user. For example, each display element  140  can be moved along one or more axes until a center of each display element  140  is aligned with a center of the corresponding eye. Accordingly, the distance between the display elements  140  can be set and/or changed based on an interpupillary distance (“IPD”) of the user. IPD is defined as the distance between the centers of the pupils of a user&#39;s eyes. 
     The frame  110  and/or the face engagement module  180  can include a sensor  170 . The sensor  170  can be positioned and arranged to detect a characteristic of the user, such as facial features. For example, such a user sensor can perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user mood detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, and the like. By further example, the sensor  170  can include an IMU, a depth sensor, a user input component (e.g., touch sensor, crown, touchpad, button, microphone, and the like). 
     An eye-tracking sensor can track features of the user wearing the head-mountable device  100 , including conditions of the user&#39;s eye (e.g., focal distance, pupil size, etc.). For example, an eye sensor can optically capture a view of an eye (e.g., pupil) and determine a direction of a gaze of the user. Such eye tracking may be used to determine a location and/or direction of interest with respect to the display element  140  and/or elements presented thereon. Such information can be used as the basis of outputs for the head-mountable device  100  and/or another device, as described herein. 
     For example, user interface elements can then be provided on the display element  140  of the head-mountable device  100  and/or another device based on this information, for example in a region along the direction of the user&#39;s gaze or a region other than the current gaze direction, as described further herein. The detections made by the eye-tracking sensor can determine user actions that are interpreted as user inputs. Such user inputs can be used alone or in combination with other user inputs to perform certain actions. By further example, such sensors can perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, user mood detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a connector can be provided to facilitate communication between multiple devices. As shown in  FIG.  2   , a system  2  can include a first electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  100 ) and a second electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  200  or another electronic device). It will be understood that the first electronic device and/or the second electronic device can be a head-mountable device and/or another electronic device. As such, while reference is made to head-mountable devices, the description provided herein can be applied to other electronic devices. 
     The system  2  can include a connector  50  that is configured to be operably connected to each of multiple electronic devices (e.g., head-mountable device  100  and head-mountable device  200 ). For example, the connector  50  can include two or more end portions  60  that each include mechanisms for facilitating attachment to and communication with each of multiple electronic devices. 
     Each end portion  60  of the connector  50  can include one or more attachment elements  62  configured to facilitate mechanical coupling or connection of the connector  50  and the corresponding head-mountable device by engaging complementary attachment elements  162  or  262  of the corresponding head-mountable device. The attachment elements  62 ,  162 , and/or  262  can include protrusions, grooves, locks, latches, snaps, screws, clasps, threads, magnets, and/or pins for securely attaching the selected end portion  60  of the connector  50  to the corresponding connection port  160  or  260  of the corresponding head-mountable device. 
     Each end portion  60  of the connector  50  can include one or more communication interfaces  64  that facilitate a communication link between the connector  50  and the corresponding head-mountable device. The communication interfaces  64  can include one or more of a variety of features, such as electrical connectors, pogo pins, conductive surfaces, wireless receivers/transmitters, and/or inductive coupling features (e.g., coils) for communicably coupling to the communication interfaces  164  or  264  of the corresponding head-mountable device. The communication interfaces  64 ,  164 , and/or  264  can include pairs of conductive contacts that are configured to make electrical contact when the end portions  60  and the connection ports  160  and/or  260  are engaged with each other. For example, one or more of the communication interfaces  64 ,  164 , and/or  264  can include a moveable element for making an electrical connection, such as a pogo pin that is at least partially collapsible and/or a contact pad that is at least partially flexible. By further example, a pogo pin can be spring loaded and/or a contact pad can be formed from an electrically conductive foam or elastomer. 
     While separate, the head-mountable device  100  and the head-mountable device  200  can each be operated independently, for example while worn by separate users. While connected by the connector  50 , the head-mountable device  100  and the head-mountable device  200  can communicate with each other and be operated in concert. Accordingly, signals can be transmitted and received by each of the head-mountable device  100  and the head-mountable device  200  via the connector  50 . 
     The connector  50  can facilitate direct connections between devices. For example, the connector  50  can include conductive wires that transmit unmodified signals between devices, such that the signals are received at a destination device substantially as transmitted from a source device. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  50  can include a controller  70  configured to modify and/or otherwise control a signal transmitted via the connector  50  between devices. For example, the controller  70  can be configured to modify a signal from one device so that the resulting modified signal is one that is more readily utilized by the destination device. 
     Signals shared between the devices connected by the connector  50  can be related to outputs provided by both of the devices. For example, the head-mountable device  100  can be operated to provide an output at the display element  140  thereof, and the head-mountable device  100  can output a signal via the connector  50  to the head-mountable device  200  so the head-mountable device  200  can provide a related output at the display element  240  thereof. The signal transmitted via the connector  50  can be identical to or similar to the signal used to operate the display element  140 . Accordingly, the head-mountable device  100  can output the signal with minimal additional processing. 
     By further example, the head-mountable device  200  can provide a display element  240  with different characteristics in the display element  140  of the head-mountable device  100 . For example, the display element  240  can have a resolution, operating frame rate, and/or other characteristic that differs with respect to the display element  140  of the head-mountable device  100 . Accordingly, the signal transmitted from the head-mountable device  100  to the connector  50  may require modification to suit the display element  240  of the head-mountable device  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  70  of the connector  50  can be configured to perform one or more modifications to signals received thereat. For example, the controller  70  can perform sample-rate conversion. Examples of such operations can include sampling-frequency conversion, resampling, upsampling, downsampling, interpolation, decimation, upscaling, downscaling, and the like. The controller  70  of the connector  50  can determine the parameters of such signal modification based on detected characteristics of the head-mountable devices (e.g., of the displays thereof). For example, the controller  70  of the connector  50  can detect one or more characteristics of the display element  140  and/or the display element  240  while connected to the corresponding connection port. The controller  70  can then determine whether and/or which modification to a signal is appropriate. Such a modification can be applied based on the source and destination of the signal. Accordingly, the connector  50  can reduce the need for the transmitting and/or receiving devices to modify the signal transmitted there between, thereby reducing processing loads on the connected devices. 
     While signals can be related to output provided by the display elements  140  and/or  240 , it will be understood that the same or different signals transmitted by the connector  50  can relate to other content shared between the head-mountable devices. For example, the connector  50  can transmit signals relating to other outputs provided by the devices, such as sound, haptic feedback, and the like. The connector  50  can transmit signals between devices without necessarily requiring related output to be provided. 
     The controller  70  can be integrated into the connector  50 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the controller  70  can be positioned between end portions  60  of the connector  50 . Accordingly, signals received at one end portion  60  can be transmitted via the controller  70 , which may operate on the signal as described herein before transmitting a modified signal to another end portion  60 . The controller  70  can include one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory having instructions stored thereon. The controller  70  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting signals, data, and/or instructions. For example, the controller  70  may include one or more of: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. 
     The controller  70  and/or other components of the connector  50  can be operated based on power drawn from one or more devices to which the connector  50  is connected. Additionally or alternatively, the connector  50  can include its own power source (e.g., battery, etc.) and/or connect to another power source (e.g., power outlet, etc.). 
     While two head-mountable devices are illustrated in  FIG.  2   , it will be understood that a connector  50  can connect to any number of head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices. For example, a connector  50  can have three or more end portions  60  for operably connecting three or more head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices to each other. In such an arrangement, any one of the devices can transmit signals to any other device(s), and any one of the devices can receive signals from any other device(s). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , two or more head-mountable devices can be operated in concert while connected to each other by a connector. The operations of each head-mountable device can provide outputs to each of the users wearing the head-mountable devices. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the first user  10  can wear and operate a first head-mountable device  100 , and a second user  20  can wear and operate a second head-mountable device  200 . The first head-mountable device  100  and the second head-mountable device  200  can be connected to each other by the connector  50 , as described herein. The head-mountable devices can be independently operated by each user. For example, the first user  10  can direct the first head-mountable device  100  to capture an image of a field-of-view  132  that can include a first object  90 . By further example, the second user  20  can direct the second head-mountable device  200  to capture an image of a field-of-view  232  that can include a second object  92 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , the head-mountable devices can share outputs so that each of the users are presented with related content. The content can be at least partially based on the same source of generated content. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a rear view of the first head-mountable device  100  providing the display  140  with a first user interface  142  and the second head-mountable device  200  providing the display  240  with a second user interface  242 . Not all of the depicted graphical elements may be used in all implementations, however, and one or more implementations may include additional or different graphical elements than those shown in the figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the graphical elements may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be provided. 
     The first user interface  142  and the second user interface  242  can include a depiction of a visual feature. Optionally, the visual feature can include an image of the object  90  captured by a camera of the head-mountable device  100  or another object, such as media content, a video, an image, a virtual object, a menu, text, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interfaces  142  and  242  can have common elements due to a selection of one of the head-mountable devices as a provider of content to both of the users. Such content can include, for example, visual features, audio, haptic feedback, and the like. 
     It will be understood that, despite common elements provided in both of the user interfaces  142  and  242 , the head-mountable devices  100  and  200  can be independently operated by the corresponding users in a manner that allows each user to adjust the view by moving and/or rotating the corresponding head-mountable device. As such, a common set of content elements (e.g., an environment) can be independently experienced according to independent user actions. Additionally or alternatively, one user interface can be a duplication of the other, such that both users receive the same content. 
     Where one of the head-mountable devices provides content to both, the other head-mountable device can be relieved of some processing load to generate content to output. In particular, where the connector  50  modifies signals from a source, the destination may receive modified signals that are readily provided as outputs to the corresponding user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the head-mountable devices can each provide outputs that are at least partially based on signals transmitted from another head-mountable device. The operations, detections, and/or inputs received by each of the head-mountable devices can optionally affect how the other device performs. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    illustrate other rear views of the first head-mountable device  100  providing the display  140  with a first user interface  142  and the second head-mountable device  200  providing the display  240  with a second user interface  242 . Not all of the depicted graphical elements may be used in all implementations, however, and one or more implementations may include additional or different graphical elements than those shown in the figures. Variations in the arrangement and type of the graphical elements may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be provided. 
     One or more of the head-mountable devices can present content based on the operations of multiple head-mountable devices. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the first user interface  142  can include an image of the object  90  captured by a camera of the first head-mountable device  100  as well as an image of the second object  92  captured by the camera of the second head-mountable device  200 . Similarly, the second user interface  242  can include an image of the second object  92  captured by a camera of the second head-mountable device  200  as well as an image of the first object  90  captured by the camera of the first head-mountable device  100 . Such images can be presented simultaneously and/or in sequence. It will be understood that the presented content is not limited to images captured by cameras. Rather, the content can additionally or alternatively include content from either or both devices, including media content, a video, an image, a virtual object, a menu, text, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the first user interface  142  can include an image of the object  90  captured by a camera of the first head-mountable device  100  and/or other content. The second user interface  242  can also include content that is related to the content of the first user interface  142  (e.g., the image of the first object  90 ). Optionally, additional content can be provided on one of the head-mountable devices. For example, a visual feature  94  can be provided on the second user interface  242  to indicate to the second user a condition relating to the first user. For example, the first user can be providing an input or otherwise performing a detectable action. By further example, the first user may be gazing in a direction (e.g., at a target of the first user&#39;s attention), which can be detected by the eye-tracking sensor of the first head-mountable device  100 . Such additional information about the first user&#39;s operation of the first head-mountable device  100  can be communicated via the connector  50  and provided as an output to the second user via the second head-mountable device  200  (e.g., as visual feature  94 ). It will be understood that such outputs can include visual features, audio, haptic feedback, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , a head-mountable device can be operated in concert with another electronic device connected to the head-mountable device by a connector. The operations of the head-mountable device and/or the electronic device can provide outputs to each of the users operating the corresponding devices. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the first user  10  can wear and operate a first head-mountable device  100 , and a second user  20  can wear and operate a second head-mountable device  200 . The first head-mountable device  100  and the second head-mountable device  200  can be connected to each other by the connector  50 , as described herein. The head-mountable devices can be independently operated by each user. For example, the first user  10  can direct the first head-mountable device  100  to capture an image of a field-of-view  132  that can include a first object  90 . By further example, the second user  20  can direct the second head-mountable device  200  to capture an image of a field-of-view  232  that can include a second object  92 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the head-mountable devices can share outputs so that each of the users are presented with related content. The content can be at least partially based on the same source of generated content. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , a first user  10  can wear and operate a head-mountable device  100 , and another user (not shown) can operate an electronic device  300 . The electronic device can include a tablet, a phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a digital media player, a head-mountable device, and/or any other electronic device. The head-mountable device  100  and the electronic device  300  can be connected to each other by the connector  50 , as described herein. The head-mountable device  100  and the electronic device  300  can be independently operated by each user. For example, the first user  10  can direct the head-mountable device  100  to capture an image of a field-of-view  132  that can include an object  90 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a rear view of the head-mountable device  100  providing the display  140  with a first user interface  142  and the electronic device  300  providing the display  340  with a second user interface  342 . Not all of the depicted graphical elements may be used in all implementations, however, and one or more implementations may include additional or different graphical elements than those shown in the figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the graphical elements may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be provided. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the first user interface  142  can include an image of the object  90  captured by a camera of the head-mountable device  100  and/or other content. The second user interface  342  can also include content that is related to the content of the first user interface  142  (e.g., the image of the object  90 ). 
     Optionally, additional content can be provided on one or both of the devices. For example, a visual feature  96  can be provided on the first user interface  142  to indicate to the first user a condition relating to the second user. For example, the second user can be providing an input or otherwise performing a detectable action. By further example, the second user may be operating a touch sensor of the electronic device  300  to interact with therewith and/or otherwise provide an indication of an item or area of interest. Such additional information about the second user&#39;s operation of the electronic device  300  can be communicated via the connector  50  and provided as an output to the first user via the head-mountable device  100  (e.g., as visual feature  96 ). It will be understood that such outputs can include visual features, audio, haptic feedback, and the like. 
     It will be understood that, despite common elements provided in both of the user interfaces  142  and  342 , the head-mountable device  100  and the electronic device  300  can be independently operated by the corresponding users in a manner that allows each user to adjust the view by moving and/or rotating the head-mountable device  100  and/or scrolling (e.g., via touch input) on the display element  340  of the electronic device  300 . As such, a common set of content elements (e.g., an environment) can be independently experienced according to independent user actions. Additionally or alternatively, one user interface can be a duplication of the other, such that both users receive the same content. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , an external device can facilitate connection between multiple head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices. One or more connectors can be provided to facilitate communication among the devices. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , a system  2  can include a first electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  100 ) and a second electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  200  or another electronic device). It will be understood that the first electronic device and/or the second electronic device can be a head-mountable device and/or another electronic device. As such, while reference is made to head-mountable devices, the description provided herein can be applied to other electronic devices. 
     The system  2  can include a connector  50  that is configured to be operably connected to each of multiple electronic devices (e.g., head-mountable device  100  and head-mountable device  200 ) and to an external device  500 . For example, the connector  50  can include at least three end portions  60  that each include mechanisms for facilitating attachment to and communication with each of multiple electronic devices. 
     While connected by the connector  50  to the external device  500 , the head-mountable device  100  and the head-mountable device  200  can communicate with each other and be operated in concert. Accordingly, signals can be transmitted and received by each of the head-mountable device  100 , the head-mountable device  200 , and the external device  500  via the connector  50 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , a single connector  50  can provide as many end portions  60  as are desired to connect to the devices. 
     Signals shared between the devices connected by the connector  50  can be related to outputs provided by the devices operated by users. For example, the external device  500  can be operated to transmit signals to provide outputs at each of the head-mountable devices or other electronic devices. By further example, the external device  500  can be operated to receive signals from one or more of the head-mountable devices or other electronic devices and transmit the signal or a modified signal to another one or more of the head-mountable devices or other electronic devices. 
     In some embodiments, the external device  500  can perform one or more operations described herein with respect to a connector  50  and/or the controller thereof (e.g., sample-rate conversion). Accordingly, the external device  500  can reduce the need for the transmitting and/or receiving devices to modify the signal transmitted there between, thereby reducing processing loads on the connected devices. 
     The external device  500  can be operated based on power drawn from one or more devices to which the connector  50  is connected. Additionally or alternatively, the external device  500  can include its own power source (e.g., battery, etc.) and/or connect to another power source (e.g., power outlet, etc.). 
     While two head-mountable devices are illustrated in  FIG.  9   , it will be understood that a connector  50  can connect to any number of head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices. For example, a connector  50  can have three or more end portions  60  for operably connecting two or more head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices and the external device  500 . In such an arrangement, any one of the devices can transmit signals to any other device(s), and any one of the devices can receive signals from any other device(s). 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , a system  2  can include a first electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  100 ) connected to the external device  500  via a connector  50  and a second electronic device (e.g., head-mountable device  200  or another electronic device) connected to the external device  500  via a different connector  50 . While connected by the connectors  50  to the external device  500 , the head-mountable device  100  and the head-mountable device  200  can communicate with each other and be operated in concert. Accordingly, signals can be transmitted and received by each of the head-mountable device  100 , the head-mountable device  200 , and the external device  500  via the connectors  50 . 
     While two head-mountable devices are illustrated in  FIG.  10   , it will be understood that any number of connectors  50  can connect to any number of head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices and the external device  500 . For example, two or more connectors  50  can operably connect to two or more head-mountable devices and/or other electronic devices and the external device  500 . In such an arrangement, any one of the devices can transmit signals to any other device(s), and any one of the devices can receive signals from any other device(s). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , components of the head-mountable device, electronic device, and/or external device can be operably connected to provide the performance described herein.  FIG.  11    shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative head-mountable device  100 , head-mountable device  200 , electronic device  300 , and/or external device  500  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that additional components, different components, or fewer components than those illustrated may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include a processor  150  (e.g., control circuitry) with one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory  182  having instructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500 . The processor  150  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor  150  may include one or more of: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     The memory  182  can store electronic data that can be used by the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500 . For example, the memory  182  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory  182  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  182  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can further include a display element  140  for displaying visual information for a user. The display element  140  can provide visual (e.g., image or video) output. The display element  140  can be or include an opaque, transparent, and/or translucent display. The display element  140  may have a transparent or translucent medium through which light representative of images is directed to a user&#39;s eyes. The display element  140  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. The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include an optical subassembly configured to help optically adjust and correctly project the image-based content being displayed by the display element  140  for close up viewing. The optical subassembly can include one or more lenses, mirrors, or other optical devices. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include a connection port  160  and/or  260 , as described herein. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include one or more sensors  170 , as described herein. The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include one or more other sensors. Such sensors can be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on. For example, the sensor can be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate count sensor, and so on. By further example, the sensor can be a bio-sensor for tracking biometric characteristics, such as health and activity metrics. Other user sensors can perform facial feature detection, facial movement detection, facial recognition, eye tracking, user mood detection, user emotion detection, voice detection, etc. Sensors can include a camera which can capture image based content of the outside world. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include an input/output component  186 , which can include any suitable component for connecting device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  to other devices. Suitable components can include, for example, audio/video jacks, data connectors, or any additional or alternative input/output components. The input/output component  186  can include buttons, keys, or another feature that can act as a keyboard for operation by the user. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include the microphone  188  as described herein. The microphone  188  can be operably connected to the processor  150  for detection of sound levels and communication of detections for further processing, as described further herein. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include speakers  194 . The speakers  194  can be operably connected to the processor  150  for control of speaker output, including sound levels, as described further herein. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include communications circuitry  192  for communicating with one or more servers or other devices using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  192  can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry  192  can also include an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. 
     The device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500  can include a battery or other power source, which can charge and/or power components of the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500 . The battery can also charge and/or power components connected to the device  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and/or  500 . 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multiple head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices that can operate in concert to provide multiple users with shared experiences and content enjoyment. Such operations can be facilitated by a connection between multiple head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to allow different users to receive content. Such a connection can be made possible by a connector that directly and physically connects head-mounted devices and/or other electronic devices to each other and transmits signals there between. By providing a physical connection, the signals can be efficiently transmitted even when other types of connections (e.g., wireless) are not available. 
     Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. 
     Clause A: a system comprising: a head-mountable device: a first display element; and a first connection port configured to output a signal corresponding to a first image provided on the first display element; an electronic device comprising: a second display element; and a second connection port; and a connector comprising: a first end configured to be received by the first connection port of the head-mountable device; a second end configured to be received by the second connection port of the electronic device; and a controller configured to receive the signal from the first connection port of the head-mountable device and output a modified signal to the electronic device at the second end, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a second image on the second display element based on the modified signal. 
     Clause B: a head-mountable device comprising: a camera; a display element; a sensor; a connection port for receiving an end of a connector; and a processor configured to: capture an image with the camera; detect a condition with the sensor; transmit, to an electronic device via the connection port and the connector, a signal indicating the image and the condition, the electronic device being configured to display the image and a visual feature corresponding to the condition. 
     Clause C: a head-mountable device comprising: a camera; a display element; a connection port for receiving an end of a connector; and a processor configured to: capture an image with the camera; transmit, to an electronic device via the connection port and the connector, a first signal indicating the image for display by the electronic device; and receive, from the electronic device via the connection port and the connector, a second signal indicating a user input provided to the electronic device; output, on the display element, a visual feature corresponding to the user input. 
     One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C. 
     Clause 1: the head-mountable device is a first head-mountable device and further comprises: a first head securement element; a first camera; a first microphone; and a first speaker; and the electronic device is a second head-mountable device and further comprises: a second head securement element; a second camera; a second microphone; and a second speaker. 
     Clause 2: the signal further corresponds to a first output of the first speaker of the first head-mountable device; and the second head-mountable device is configured to provide a second output with the second speaker based on the modified signal. 
     Clause 3: the signal is based on a characteristic of the first display element; and the modified signal is based on a characteristic of the second display element. 
     Clause 4: the controller is configured to detect the characteristic of the first display element and the characteristic of the second display element. 
     Clause 5: the modified signal has a different sampling rate with respect to the signal. 
     Clause 6: the sensor comprises a touch sensor. 
     Clause 7: a location of the visual feature on the image corresponds to a touch location detected by the touch sensor. 
     Clause 8: the sensor comprises an eye-tracking sensor. 
     Clause 9: a location of the visual feature on the image corresponds to a gaze location detected by the eye-tracking sensor. 
     Clause 10: the display element is configured to display a first portion of the image based on an orientation of the head-mountable device; and the electronic device is configured to display a second portion of the image based on a user input received at the electronic device. 
     Clause 11: the electronic device is an additional head-mountable device and further comprises: an additional camera; and an additional display element. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology may include the gathering and use of data available from various sources. 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 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 advertisement delivery services, 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 mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230315
Publication Date: 20240409
Grant Date: 20240409
Priority Date: 20200915
Inventors: WANG, FORREST C.
SHAH, RITU
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0093", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1407", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0093", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0093", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1407", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 77711483